Tahoe

Spring Break is typically celebrated on the beach, but these five mountain locations less than 350 miles from San Francisco can give you a unique spring trip experience. Whether you want to do some spring skiing, drink and dine, hike and bike or mellow out in a hot spring, these mountain destinations are close to home.

Energize all parts of your body with these March events at Squaw Valley—all taking place on the same weekend. March 20-22 is a great time to come up to the lake and enjoy several new inches of snow in Squaw Valley. What's more, the resort, village, and slopes will feature a riding and yoga workshop, rivers of French bubbly, and the sounds of the Infamous Stringdusters and Sam Bush.

Many Bay Area visitors have a preconceived notion about the Biggest Little City—casinos, grime and buffets. While, yes, some of that is still around, there's also an artisan grassroots movement happening in Reno. If you have not been to Reno in the past few years, you might be surprised at what’s turning this Bay Area neighbor upside down.

The last few winter storms have left up to three feet of snow in some areas of Lake Tahoe, perfect for experiencing all the new things the winter wonderland has to offer. New resort experiences, hotels, eateries, and high mountain adventures are now available to ensure you start the winter off right.

This week, we escaped the Bay Area via a four-hour drive and a 5,980-foot trek up to the Calpine Fire Lookout in the Sierra Valley, just off Highway 89 near Truckee. A onetime forest fire tower that was used every summer until 1975, the Lookout costs $45 a night—a bargain for an evening brimming with stars and sweeping views.

While most people visit Lake Tahoe in the summer months, there's a little secret that locals know: Fall is the best time to head to the lake. Under the bright blue sky and among the golden leaves this fall head to these top eight food, wine, and hiking events:

There's probably nothing better than the mountains in summer. The days are hot and sunny and the nights are cool with that perfect temperature for sleeping in a tent. Lake Tahoe really comes alive in the summer months with various outdoor sports and special events. Even though this list could go on ad infinitum, we narrowed it down to the top 50.

Lake Tahoe is a popular place to go camping in the summer, so now's the time to reserve that perfect campsite, before it's packed to the brim. There are dozens of campgrounds around the lake, but only a few of them have great lakeside access. These top five campgrounds either have their own beaches or it's just a quick walk to the shoreline and that deep blue water—perfect for a refreshing summer dip.